Population Size and growth Rate

The size and rate of growth of population is one of the most important statistical measurements of human population.  These determine, to a large extent, many developmental factors about a Country or District, including its present and future ability to feed, to house and to provide social services.  It also determines its ability to deal with poverty.  The Table 1.0.3a below shows the total population figures for 1970, 1984 and 2000 with their corresponding inter-census growth rate.

                      Source: Population and Housing Census, 1970, 1984 and 2000

From Table 1.0.3a, above, it can be seen that the population of Manya Krobo District in 1970, 1984 and 2000 was 113,072, 134,530 and 154,301 respectively.  The inter-census growth rates during 1970-1984 and 1984 and 2000 were 1.2% and 1.0 respectively, which was lower however than the corresponding regional figures of 2.3% and 1.4% respectively.

Population Density

Population density is used here to refer to the total number of people per square kilometer.  The population density for the years 1970, 1984 and 2000 for the District are 77, 91 and 114 square kilometers respectively.  

These figures are greater than the regional figures of 63, 87 and 109 for the various census years, giving an indication of higher pressure on land use in the District.

Age – Sex Structure

The age – sex composition is of much significance in the planning process for poverty reduction.  It affords the opportunity to know the numerical strength of each sex and age group.  This in turn helps to determine what needs to be done to improve their well-being.

The table 1.0.3b below shows the male-female split within each age group in the year 2000 for the District as well as 
the region and the nation.

                 Source:  Statistical Service, 2000

Like in the national and regional situations where there are more females than males, this is the case of the sex composition of Manya Krobo District (refer to Table 1.0.3b).  The economically active population (ages 15 to 64) constitutes 58.5% of the total population, resulting in an age dependency ratio of 1:07 (i.e. one active person to 0.7 inactive person) this means that if the active population is effectively utilized for development, the resultant effect on poverty will be positive.  

The large number of active population also implies as anticipated high old age of which measures must be put in place to sustain. The children population, which constitutes 38.1% of the population, is the dependent group who hold the key for further development of the District.  Therefore, strenuous efforts should be further made to provide them with good education, employment opportunities, potable water and other social and economic facilities to help develop them for the future.

It can be seen from Table 1.0.3b that males constitute 50.7%, while females constitute 49.3% of the population.  This translates into a sex ratio of 95.2 males to 100 females which is a little below the national average of 97.9 males to 100 females